Re: .45 ACP Hollow points, new opinions?
I believe Casey is right in that penetration is more important than expansion if you have to choose between one or the other...however, I'm not aware of any 45ACP non-exotic self defense loadings that have inadequate penetration on humans so you shouldn't have to make that compromise. Glaser? Maybe. Otherwise, I haven't seen any lead 45ACP load 185 to 230grains that will fail to penetrate to the vitals on a human. Therefore, you should choose rounds that expand. I think Casey's logic is sound if you were shooting a .380, but 9mm or 45acp typically dont experience underpenetration so you are definitely giving up some performance by insisting on FMJ.
I second Speer Gold Dot, and like HST in the 45 ACP as well even though it isnt bonded-if the 45 looses its jacket it is still heavier than most pistol rounds. I have shot both though deer in the 180 lb range broadside, both expanded and exited.
I do think Casey's point deserves to be re-iterated...without penetration you have nothing, and you may need more than you think in a self defense shooting. Consider an aggressor wearing winter clothing, with his arms in front of him in a typical fighting "blade" stance. In that reasonable scenario, you may need to penetrate an arm, thick clothing, and then an oblique angle to the vitals in the torso. This is why the FBI calls for 12 in minimum penetration even though most big men are not 12 inches front to back. That being said, most 9mm and 45acp FMJ will penetrate far more than that so you still have the capability to choose expanding rounds.
Casey - have you at least considered staggering FMJ and a good bonded HP in the magazine?